FAQ: Algae-related taste and odor issues

Q: What causes taste and odor issues in Wellington’s drinking water?

A: Some types of algae present in lakes and reservoirs produce naturally occurring byproducts called Geosmin and Methyl-Isoborneol (MIB). These naturally occurring compounds do not pose a public health risk. However, they can cause aesthetic concerns in drinking water, including a musty or earthy taste and odor.

Geosmin and MIB typically become a taste and odor issue for customers when levels are in the range of 0.1 nanograms per liter (ng/L) or 10 parts per trillion. Due to varied sensitivity levels, some customers may notice these compounds with levels as low as 0.05 ng/L. Additionally, when water is heated, the odor can become more pronounced.   

Q: Are algae and algal blooms common in Northern Colorado?

A: Yes, algae and algal blooms are common in many places, including northern Colorado. The blooms are caused by a combination of rising water temperatures, extended periods of sunlight, and high levels of nutrients in the water. These conditions are familiar in this region and can result in excessive algae growth.

Q: What treatment options are available for taste and odor issues?

A: Geosmin and MIB cannot be removed during normal water treatment processes and require advanced treatment methods. Currently, Wellington water professionals use powder-activated carbon to treat water for an earthy taste and odor. This is an adhesion process that allows the compounds to be captured and removed from the drinking water. If taste and odor issues persist, adding lemon juice and refrigeration of drinking water has been shown to improve these issues.

Q: Will the new Water Treatment Plant help with taste and odor issues?

A: The Town of Wellington is proud to be one of two drinking water treatment facilities in Colorado to utilize Pureflow^TM ozone treatment technology. Set to be online in September 2024, this advanced treatment technology will allow our water treatment professionals to rapidly oxidize (neutralize) the compounds that cause taste and odor issues. In combination with the backstop of new granular activated carbon filters, the Town anticipates an improved aesthetic quality of our produced drinking water.